====== Sterling Silver ======

**Sterling Silver** is a high-end luxury alloy used in premium flatware and holloware. By international standard, it contains **92.5% pure silver** and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) to increase hardness and durability, as pure silver is too soft for functional use.

Often marked with the number "**925**" or a **Lion Passant** hallmark, sterling silver is prized for its warm luster, antimicrobial properties, and its status as a timeless family heirloom.

===== 1. Key Characteristics =====

  * **Luster**: Unlike the cool, blue tint of [[:en:materials:stainless_steel|Stainless Steel]], sterling silver has a deep, warm, and soft glow that improves with age (patina).
  * **Weight**: It feels significantly heavier and more substantial in the hand compared to steel or silver-plated items.
  * **Value**: As a precious metal, sterling silver retains intrinsic value and can be polished back to its original brilliance indefinitely.
  * **Antibacterial**: Silver has natural oligodynamic properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, a feature valued in dining for centuries.

===== 2. Hallmarks: How to Identify Real Sterling =====

Because silver is a precious commodity, reputable manufacturers use "Hallmarks" (official stamps):
  * **925**: The most common modern mark indicating 92.5% purity.
  * **Lion Passant**: The historical British hallmark for sterling silver.
  * **Maker's Mark**: A unique stamp identifying the silversmith or brand (e.g., [[:en:brands:christofle|Christofle]] or Tiffany & Co.).

===== 3. Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated =====

^ Feature ^ Sterling Silver (925) ^ Silver-Plated (EPNS) ^
| **Composition** | Solid alloy throughout | Silver layer over base metal (brass/copper) |
| **Durability** | Lasts centuries; can be replated | Silver layer wears off over time (bleeding) |
| **Investment** | High intrinsic metal value | Low resale value |
| **Markings** | Marked "925" or "Sterling" | Marked "EPNS" or "Silver Plate" |

===== 4. Care and Maintenance =====

  * **Daily Use**: The best way to prevent tarnish is to use your silver regularly. Constant handling and washing keep it bright.
  * **Hand Washing**: Highly recommended. Dishwashers can cause "pitting" and the high heat can loosen knife handles.
  * **Tarnish Removal**: Use specialized silver creams or polishing cloths. Never use abrasive toothpastes.
  * **Storage**: Store in "Silver Cloth" bags or chests lined with anti-tarnish fabric to prevent oxidation from sulfur in the air.

===== 5. Notable Manufacturers =====

  * [[:en:brands:christofle|Christofle]] (France) - The pinnacle of French silversmithing.
  * [[:en:brands:georg_jensen|Georg Jensen]] (Denmark) - Famous for organic, modernist silver designs.
  * **Tiffany & Co.** (USA) - Defined the American standard for sterling silver in the 19th century.
  * **Puiforcat** (France) - Renowned for elite, artistic silver craftsmanship.

{{tag>materials metal luxury silver flatware}}